Dee2rites Blog

Tag: devotional

  • I Didn’t Plan This Journey – Through the Valley

    “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

              The word tells us that man makes his plans but the Lord orders their steps. (“A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps”  Proverbs 16:9)

    To say that the things that we had planned, have changed is a massive understatement. But looking back, I can see God’s hand preparing us for this leg of our journey. When we moved to Richland Springs in 2017 and began remodeling our house, Larry was determined to make it a home I would enjoy, letting me make most of the design decisions. The remodel was long and arduous, we laughed, we argued, we kissed and made up and worked everything out, and in the end we do have a home I enjoy being in. But I didn’t plan to be in it alone.

    After Larry was diagnosed with unspecified dementia, possibly Alzheimer’s, in 2020, we began making long-range plans, thinking that someday way off in the future we would need them. Durable power of attorneys, medical power of attorneys, updated our wills, all the legal paperwork that we might either one need in the future. Even with our finances, he tried to save as much as I would let him so that we would have money for the future.

    Now we have entered another leg of our journey, and when we each reach our destinations, we will be in two different places. Larry will be in glory with his Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, and I will be alone in the home that he created for me.

    To say the events of the past 6 weeks has been traumatic is like saying a train wreck is a unplanned event. Larry had several falls, or if not falls, just found himself somehow in the floor. I was not able to get him up, and had to call for help. He had a severe UTI and three trips to the ER. With each event, his dementia became worse and other symptoms, such as hand tremors, became more and more pronounced. Our daughter, an RN, had first mentioned the possibility of Lewy Bodies disease, and I asked his neurologist about it in July. But he dismissed them as simply being a side effect of one of his medications. It was right after that we had the first trip to the ER with fever and the UTI.

    The first week of August, Larry began to refuse to take his medications, and by the end of that week was refusing to eat or drink. His dementia had taken an ugly turn and he became verbally aggressive and angry. Saturday, August the 6th, our daughter, Rachael, her friend Jay, and our granddaughter Kaylee, were here, and I am so thankful God had put in their hearts to come. We had to call EMS to come and take Larry to the ER again. That trip, the ER doctor saw something that others had not. He said “I’m not a neurologist, but it looks to me like he has Lewy Bodies Disease with Parkinson’s”. When I looked it up online and began to read about Lewy Bodies, it was like reading a checklist of all of Larry’s symptoms, going back to 2015 when he was diagnosed with severe Restless Legs, also a symptom of Lewey Bodies. I had told the doctors that he had no sense of smell, and they did not see that as anything significant. But it’s one of the early signs of Lewy Bodies. A VA nurse, and Rachael, also an RN, had been concerned that Larry had Orthostatic hypotension. But no doctor ever put that with his dementia, even though it is one symptom of Lewey Bodies disease. Reading the symptoms of this horrible disease was like reading a checklist of everything that Larry has been through for the past 10 years. How is it that an RN, and an ER doctor, were able to see and put together all the clues that three neurologist that had seen Larry over 10 years had failed put together? To say I’ve lost faith in our Healthcare system is kind of like saying I don’t believe in Santa Claus.

    When Larry left the hospital a week later, we had to move him to a nursing home because it was no longer safe for him or me for me to take care of him at home alone. And since then, he has continued to decline. When I have seen him there has only been two times that he recognized me and knew that I was there. Most of the time he was lost in his own little world. And now his condition has taken another drastic turn downward. As of this past weekend, he is no longer able to eat, to chew, or even drink from a straw. The fear is that he will aspirate on his food or drink if we try to force him.

    I had not been able to drive to go see him for a week, because I had to have surgery on my wrist that I broke while he was in the hospital. But I had planned to drive myself to see him yesterday, Monday September 29th, but my pastors, Cynthia and Tom Brand, sent me a text that morning and said they wanted to take me to lunch and then take me to go see Larry. I had a plan but God knew it was not the right plan. I am so thankful they were there with me.

    After visiting with the hospice nurse I had to make the decision I wasn’t prepared for yet – am I ready to discontinue his other drugs, which he had not been able to take except in liquid form, and have them only administer comfort drugs to keep him comfortable. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do, but I know it is for his best to let him go. He never opened his eyes or seemed to know that we were there. But I was able to talk to him, touch him, and tell him I loved him. Bro Tom knelt with me on the floor by his bed and prayed, for Larry to be comforted and not suffer any pain.

    I talked to our kids last night after I got home, and even though their lives are full and busy, they are coming this weekend to see their dad one more time. I don’t know how long it will be that he is still on Earth, but I will take comfort in knowing that where he will be in the end is far better than anything here. And I can look forward to see him one day over there.

              “We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8

    Peace and blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ,

    Dee

  • I Didn’t Plan This Trip – The Road is Getting Harder

    “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.”  James 1:2-6

    This is not the blog I wanted to write. I wanted to talk about some funny things that happen. I’d rather talk about how God has answered our prayers lately. But I just can’t. My heart is breaking into a million pieces. Maybe another day.

              After Larry started taking a medication for his mood swings, I began to see his old personality come back, and I thought Yes, we can do this. When we would have a special moment together, share a kiss and a hug, I thought Yes, we can do this. Those times made it ok that I was having to take over all the responsibilities of taking care of the house and having to hire people to do the yard and repairs. It was ok because I could see glimpses of my husband and our love.

              Suddenly, things changed almost overnight. He suddenly became very confused, like he’d not been before. After two trips to the ER, the second one at 3:30 am in an ambulance, the doctor told me what was happening to my husband. The diagnosis was that he had Acute Delirium. It can happen for several reasons, but it’s not uncommon in Alzheimer’s patients. It may or may not lessen, it could even go away temporarily.

              This is how it went with Larry’s dad. He would talk to people who weren’t there, hear or see things that weren’t there. He even called the police once because these imaginary people wouldn’t leave the house. We tried having him stay with us, but that didn’t work out, Larry’s niece tried staying with him at night at his house, but that didn’t last long either. The family had no choice but to place him in a memory care facility because there was no one he’d let take care of him.  

              This is where we are. I’m trying to work with the VA to get him Home Health, hoping having someone else come tend to him  a couple of days a week might help. But the VA doesn’t make it easy. If that fails, we’ll use his Medicare and see what they will cover. But I’m not ready yet to place him in a facility. Not yet.

              I’m requesting prayer from all my praying friends. I need wisdom on what to do, and we need favor with the VA, and we need a doctor to verify this is what he needs. The ER doctor said it verbally, but I need it in writing. Yes, the road had gotten very difficult, but one thing I know – my God is faithful and He will see us through.   

    Peace and blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ,

    Dee

  • I Didn’t Plan This Trip – Cold Coffee

    “Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for His mercies never end.

    They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

    I say: The Lord is my portion, therefore I will put my hope in Him.”

    Lamentations 3:22-24 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

              My favorite time of day used to be early mornings, when I would be the only one up. I’d enjoy a nice cup of coffee, or sometimes hot tea, while I read my Bible and prayed. I still enjoy those things, but not always in the usual way I used to know. Some days are easier than others, and some days are difficult to say the least. The best days are the ones when we don’t have to be anywhere, and can just take the day as it comes.

              I make my coffee, and about that time Larry puts the dog out of the bedroom because she’s wanting out. I open the dog door to let her out and feed her, put Larry’s bowl for cereal on the island and unload the dishwasher. A few minutes later, he’s up and usually needs a little help with shoes and socks. We get that done, and it’s time for breakfast. If we get the bowl of cereal and milk to the table without spilling, that’s a plus! Otherwise, I’m moping at least part of the kitchen floor.

              After he’s had his breakfast and taken his morning meds, he usually settles on the couch and watches reruns of M.A.S.H. or Andy Griffin. I shower and dress while he’s not needing me. At last, I’m ready for my day. But first I need to carry out garbage. And finish cleaning the kitchen. Oh yeah, I need to decide what to make for dinner and set something out to thaw. I make the beds because a nicely made bed makes me feel good about one thing being done well today.

              As I leave the bedroom to go to my workspace or the office, I see my cup of coffee sitting on the side table where I’d left it to go let the dog out. It’s cold by now. But hey, it’s summer, I’ll just add some ice and pretend I’d planned it that way.

              “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23 (NKJV)

    Peace and blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ,

    Dee

  • I Didn’t Plan This Trip – The Beginning of Our Journey

    “I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.”  Psalm 77:11

              “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; With my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations”  Psalm 89:1

              This post is a little different from some of my others. July 12 2025, Larry and I will celebrate our 57th wedding anniversary. Because of knowing it was coming up, I have been even more respective that usual, thinking back over our years together. The years have gone too fast, even the ones that seemed long at the time.

              We’ve had some good times, we’ve had some bad times. But through it all, we’ve seen God’s hand in our lives. It is only through His grace and mercy that we’ve made it this far, and I know He’ll be with us through our last years. I’ve put bad memories out of my mind, focusing on all the good ones, except for the ones when we saw God move at the time of our need.

              I put together a video of photos us, only a very few but special ones. I hope you enjoy it. One word, embrace every moment you have with your loved ones. You don’t know how much time you have, so make the most of it.

  • When I Saw my Daddy Cry

    When I Saw my Daddy Cry

              “I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13

    “A righteous man regards the life of his animal, But the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.” Proverbs 12:10

              With all the recent flooding in Texas, my heart aches for the families who have lost loved ones, or have loved ones still missing. Locally, there were no fatalities, Praise God! But many families have been displaced due to flood damage in their homes, some losing everything; farmers and ranchers missing livestock, and I can’t help but remember a time when the rain devastated our family.

              When Mother and Daddy married in 1949, Daddy was a cowboy, working for other people in San Saba County. In 1953 they moved to McCulloch County, and Daddy went to work for a rancher there. He leased a farm near Rochelle where we lived until 1958 when Daddy and Mother borrowed money to buy the farm, which we still have, just north of Richland Springs. The Richland Creek ran along the South side of the property.

              One weekend in the Summer of 1959, my Mother, my baby sister and I, went to visit my Granny for the weekend in Cisco. While we were gone, heavy rains came and the Richland Creek rose up until it was covered most of the cotton field.

              Only as an adult looking back can I understand the sense of loss my Dad was feeling. He had to make an annual land payment, plus he’d borrowed money to plant the cotton. Now that crop was wiped out. I remember sitting on the front porch with my Daddy, looking out at the flooded field and seeing his tears fall as he whispered, “I’ve lost it all”.  I’d never seen my Daddy cry, until that day.

              But he was a man who believed in the goodness of God, and even in the worst of times, which this was only one, he never lost his faith. I don’t remember the details of the next few weeks and months, but I only know we always had what we needed. We never missed church and we always put in offering to God.

              What I learned from my Daddy, is that God is always there and He is always good. Even when our prayers seem like they aren’t heard, God is there and He is always good.

    “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

    “The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him.” Psalm 28:7

    Peace and blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ,

    Dee

  • I Didn’t Plan This Trip – Friends Along the Way

    “A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.” Proverbs 17:17

              We’ve been blessed with many good friends throughout the years, many of whom we’ve kept contact with over time, even if only through Facebook. But there are a few who were special, and some of them have gone on to be with the Lord.

              When we lived in Lubbock, Larry became friends with his brother from another Mother at church. Brent, like Larry, loved bow hunting and they became hunting buddies, which is a whole other level of friendship. Brent taught Larry the fine art of bow fishing. After we moved to Plano, Brent and his family moved to New Orleans, and they continued to take bow hunting trips to New Mexico every January, and Larry would go to  New Orleans so they could enter bow fishing tournaments.

              Brent was exactly the friend Larry needed when they met. Brent was a very godly man, and was an example to Larry of what it meant to be a man of God. Brent was Larry’s confident, and Larry shared his doubts and struggles with him, and Brent always had Biblical answers and would pray over him. (I only learned this after Brent passed.)

    Then, in the summer of 2005, Brent was in a terrible auto accident that left him a paraplegic and no longer to do the things he loved. He was on his way to Lubbock from New Orleans when the accident happened, and the closest trauma hospital was in Ft Worth. He spent months in the hospital, and finally was able to be moved to the Baylor Rehab in Dallas. On October 19th, Larry fell off the roof of a 2-story house where he was working in Dallas. The ambulance took him to Baylor Hospital downtown Dallas.  When Brent heard about Larry’s accident and that he was in the hospital, he got his son to escort him, in his new motorized wheelchair, from the Rehab hospital to the main hospital to see Larry. A true friend in time of need. Brent’s family moved back to Lubbock, closer to their extended family, when Brent finally was dismissed from the Rehab hospital. A few years later, he moved on to heaven, and Larry grieved his friend.

    Another good friend Larry met when we moved back to Central Texas. Larry Smith was also a very godly man, a leader in our new church. And he was a hunter! Finally after twelve years, Larry had another hunting buddy! I don’t think they had the same level of friendship that Larry had with Brent, but Larry S. and his precious wife Alice took us under their wing when we were new members at church and helped us feel a part of the body there. Sadly, Larry S. graduated to glory in 2020, and a short time later Alice moved back to Ohio where her daughter lived and she had other family.

    Then there was Jim, who was married to my best friend, Lorna. When Larry lost his job, Jim was there for him, inviting him over to help with the pool table he was building. And as soon as it was finished, Jim regularly had Larry over to play pool. Another friend in time of need.

    If I were to talk about every person God has brought into our lives, this post would be way too long. But, even now, as we’re walking through this hard time of life, God is blessing us with true friends. My circle of friends at church are so special, allowing me to cry on their shoulders at times, and praying with me always.  There is one couple who always invite us to sit with them when we all go out to lunch after church, even though they understand Larry can’t carry on a normal conversation, partly because he can’t hear well in noisy places, and partly he can’t always remember what he wants to say.

    But even as precious as all these people are, and many many others as well, have been, there is One who has always been here with us, and has promised to never to leave us, Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. I rely on my friends for support, but in the dark hours of the night, it is Jesus Who I call on for guidance, comfort, and peace.

    “…but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  Proverbs 18:24b

    Peace and blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ,

    Dee

  • The Happiest Time of the Year?

    “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”  Psalm 42:11

    For many people, the holidays are a time of celebration, parties, and happy family gatherings. But for some, that is not always true. Empty chairs are a reminder of loved ones who are not here this year. Memories of sad times are more poignant and a reminder of past loses and failures. Deployed family members are missed more sharply during Christmas celebrations. So how do we cope? Those who are Christians, often experience guilt over not being happy during the season we celebrate the birth of our Lord, adding to our feelings of loneliness, sadness and depression.

              Temporary holiday blues can be due to unrealistic expectations, overplanning, and overspending which adds to stress. These are things which can be corrected by less shopping, and keeping expectations of a good holiday more realistic.

              But what about those who are experiencing real hurt, who are missing loved ones or who suffer from S.A.D. (Seasonal affective disorder, a type of depression that occurs usually during fall or winter.) These feelings are real and cannot just be dismissed.

              Here are just a few things that God has shown me over the years.

    1. Celebrate the life of your loved one who has passed. Enjoy the memories you have of them, and remind yourself, that if they were believers in Jesus Christ, they are celebrating in heaven.
    2. Give yourself permission to cry and call out to God, being honest with your Heavenly Father. Many of the Psalms of David were him calling out to God, reminding himself to praise Him even when times were bad.
    3. Take care of yourself physically. Get plenty of rest, go for walks or do other exercise. Shower and get dressed, even if you don’t feel like it. Sisters, style your hair and put on your make-up. Brothers, shave or trim your beard. Eat healthy meals, and limit carbs and sweets.
    4. Spend time alone with God, meditating on His Word and praying. The Psalms are an excellent place to spend time meditating.
    5. Look for someone else to bless. Take a meal to someone who is also missing a loved one. Call or text someone you haven’t connected with in a while. Give a lonely child, or adult, a hug. Ask God to show you who He  would like for you to reach out to and bless.
    6. Spend time with others, especially other believers. When we’re depressed, our tendency is to shut ourselves out from other people. While that is ok occasionally, we mustn’t allow that to become our norm. Go to church. Go to family events. Go wherever God leads you.
    7. Seek help. If your feelings become overwhelming, there are people ready and able to help you. Counseling with a Christian counselor can help you work through those feeling. But if you start having thoughts of suicide, call for help immediately. In the USA, you can call or text 988 to get help.

    When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Philippian church to “rejoice, and again I say rejoice” he was sitting in a nasty Roman prison, facing certain execution. Here’s just a few of the things he wrote in the 4th chapter of Philippians:

    V. 4 “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!

    V. 6-7 “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

    V.8 “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

    God didn’t create us to be down, sad or depressed. Jesus said that He came that we might have LIFE and have it more abundantly. So my prayer for you during this Holiday Season is that regardless of your circumstances, that you will receive the joy of the Lord, and the peace of God to surround you.

    If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior, He’s ready to receive you, that is why He came and went to the cross. Pray “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge I am a sinner and need a Savior. I repent of my past sins, and I ask You to come into my heart right now. I believe You died on the cross for my sin, and You were resurrected on the third day. I receive you as my Lord and Savior, and I choose to live for You from this day forward. Amen”  Welcome to the family of God!

    Peace and blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ,

    Dee

  • Rejoice in the Day God Has Made

    Rejoice in the Day God Has Made

    “This is the day the Lord has made;
    We will rejoice and be glad in it.”     Psalm 118:24

    Psalm 118 begins with “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (NKJV) Some translations say His steadfast love or lovingkindness in place of mercy. That is probably closer to the literal meaning of the Hebrew word, chesed or hesed*. Hesed is also translated as kindness, goodness and favor.

    In verse 14, the psalmist says “The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation.”  How many days do we feel inadequate and like we lack the strength we need for the day? But because of His mercy and lovingkindness, God gives us strength.

    When we begin to understand God lovingkindness, mercy, steadfast love, kindness, goodness and favor towards us, praise will begin to pour out of us. And of course we’ll rejoice in the day, whatever it holds, it is the God has created and given to us!

    Peace and blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ,

    Dee

    *Strong’s H2617

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  • New Years’ Peas

    I read an article about why Southerners eat black-eyed peas on New Years Day. My family followed the traditional meal of black-eyed peas, ham (usually left-over from Christmas), greens and cornbread. As a kid I never liked the peas, but ate them anyway because that’s just what kids of my generation did – parents said “clean your plate” so we cleaned our plate. And black-eye peas were a tradition although I never really understood why. All I was told was “they’ll bring you good luck” and that what I said to my kids. But there is so much more to the story.

    Here’s the short version, if you want to learn more look up Brad Downey on Facebook, he has a great post with many details. First, black-eyed peas kept many Southerners from starving after the Union Army came through and took everything or destroyed what they couldn’t take. Except for the black-eyed peas and the salt pork because they didn’t recognize them as food. Thus the women, children, elderly and the disabled were saved from starvation and the lowly black-eye pea became the symbol of good fortune.

    While I will continue to enjoy a New Year’s meal of black-eye peas, greens, ham and cornbread, I do not put my trust in a legume to bring me good fortune or prosperity. I choose to put my trust and faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty) my provider. I put my trust and faith in Jesus Christ, my ​Adonai (Lord, Master).

    Our nation has faced many dark days besides the terrible days during and after the Civil War – WWI, the Depression, WWII to name just a few. But God has always been faithful to heal and restore because people turned to Him, repenting of sins and calling on His Name. Great revivals and the preaching of the gospel kept this nation a Christian nation where the church was honored and recognized as significant to the nation and individual communities. From the birth of our nation until recent times we were a nation based on Christian/Judeo values.

    Today our nation faces the darkest times we ever faced, not because of war or even the run-away inflation we’re experiencing caused by an out of control federal government, or even because of the invasion on our southern border. No, the darkness in our nation is spiritual. We are living in the times we were warned about by the prophet Isaiah :

    “Beware, those who call evil good and good evil, who turn darkness into light and light into darkness, who turn bitter into sweet and sweet into bitter.” Isaiah 5:20 (New English Translation)

    Here we are, members of our own government calling things God has called evil as being good and acceptable. They call Christians who hold to Biblical truths intolerant or even a threat to the country!

    Here’s what the New Testament says about the times we’re living in:

    “But understand this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, slanderers, without self-control, savage, opposed to what is good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, loving pleasure rather than loving God.” 2 Timothy 3:1-3

    Jesus warned us that hard times would come, but we’re not to fear:

    “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

    Whatever 2023 brings, I know God will provide whatever I need, including peace.

    Happy 2023 to you all and I pray you know the joy of salvation and the peace only Jesus can provide!

    Dee

  • A Strong Foundation of Faith

    “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness’ …Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.” Romans 4:3, 16 (NKJV)

    Abraham, called the Father of Faith, shows us how to build a foundation of faith. It starts with hearing God. God spoke to Abram (Abraham as he was called later), Abram heard and obeyed.
    “Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran.” (Genesis 12:1-4)

    God told Abraham to leave the place where he was and go to a place that He would show him. Years before God had lead Abram’s father, Terah, to leave Ur the land of the Chaldees (in modern day Iraq) to go to Canaan, but he only made it as far as Haran (Turkey) and settled there and there he died. God spoke to Abram and he heard and he obeyed.

    The first thing we have to do if we’re to have a strong foundation of faith is to hear God and then obey. How do we hear God? By taking in His written word, by reading and meditating on what is given to us through the Scriptures. Once we have it in our hearts, then we have to be obedient to it. It’s not enough just to read it or hear it preached; we have to apply it by being obedient, doing what we hear God telling us to do.

    “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise.” (Hebrews 11:8, 9)

    If we desire to live a life for God, we have to learn to be obedient to Him and be fully surrendered to His will. It requires faith to be fully surrendered to God. When we doubt, or lack faith in God and His Word, it hard to give up our plans and desires to surrender to His. It requires spending time in the Scriptures to come to the place where we can genuinely say “Not my will, but Yours be done.”
    But when we know the Word, we can also know that God’s plans for our lives are far better than anything we can imagine. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11-13 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart.”

    Seek Him with you whole heart, through His written word, and you will find Him. Dwell on that Word and your faith in it will grow. Then you will have a strong foundation of faith that can stand against any circumstance that life on this planet gives.
    Peace and blessings in our Lord Jesus Christ,
    Dee
    Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.